Dhurrie weaving

The weaver community in Warangal, Andhra Pradesh, is world renowned for its dexterity in Dhurrie Weaving. The craft’s ancestry can be traced back to a flat weave rug loaned from the Jama Masjid in Bijapur for an exhibition in Delhi in 1903, which was created in 1686 by emperor Aurangzeb in the mosque in Bijapur (erstwhile Deccan).

The weavers use the weft interlocked technique to create multi- coloured dhurries. They have recently started incorporating the ikat technique of patterning yarn and kalamkari prints in their creations.

“Designs that are peculiar to Warangal dhurries include geometric, angular motifs used in tapestry weave structures. Several coloured horizontal stripes are used in jamkhans and shatranjis and the mihrab motif in the jainamaaz and saf.” The different colors used are red, and blue used in combination with certain neutral shades. The design range also includes flat weaves with raised, or extra weft patterns. A wide variety of fabric material is used, including cotton, jute, and wool.